The whirr of the blender noise cut through the fog in Michael's just getting out of bed mode startling him momentarily; he rolled over to Lisa's side which was empty, heaved a sigh, taking a second to plop his face down into the pillow with a groan. That damn blender sounded awfully loud again which meant Lisa was already up and moving about to start the day .

A glance at the bedside clock informed him that it was only 8:34 in the morning, which was too damn early for a weekend. Michael realized there would be no more sleeping in for him now , rolled himself out of bed , and moseyed into the kitchen where Lisa was already up, dressed in a pretty yellow sundress, and pouring a green smoothie into a large glass . She caught his gaze, smiled brightly at him, as she dropped a kiss on his cheek.

'Morning, sleepyhead,' replied Lisa, 'did you want some breakfast before you get a shower, Mike? Did you forget we have errands to do before we meet my parents for lunch then check in on our friends who will be working on our reception decorations '

Michael sniffed at the green drink. Suspiciously ' Is this full of spinach? I thought you were lying off the smoothies since they made you sick a while ago? I'll just brew up some good old java '

He moved to the counter then began the processing of adding the grounds to the filter, then the water, and getting the coffee brewing. Michael would need the jolt of energy the coffee would provide to help him through the decision making then lunch with the folks. Michael had always gotten along with Jonathon and Merilee but the man still sometimes made him feel like a gawky teenager who wasn't good enough to be with his daughter. Jonathon Perkins and Quinn's Dad Frank were both imposing men and could probably teach a class on how to make other men quake in their tennis shoes. He'd have to share that gem with Logan.

Lisa sipped her juice.' That was a fluke incident that happened one time, hun . I thought I needed a little pick me up this morning before we started our day and didn't want to spend the 6 dollars at the Juice Club downtown when I can make a smoothie myself. There's no need to freak out over it '

Michael made a face at her lovingly as he pulled out a carton of eggs from the fridge along with some bacon. It was bound to be a long day; they might as well have a good, hearty breakfast before they trudged through stationary shops and a ritzy department store to register.

' Not freaking out , just slightly concerned ,' amended Michael, carefully ,' also recalling very clearly the juice diet you and Lola partaken in our Senior year back in the high school days that didn't go well for either of you. Sue me for worrying about the love of my life …'

Lisa put the half empty glass down on the counter then moved to wrap her arms around his neck giving him a gentle squeeze. No wonder she loved the crazy doofus . Michael could be every bit as dramatic as Lola when he wanted to be but his heart was full of love.

' Oh you big softie , I love you ,' exclaimed Lisa , softly,' Believe me I want to knock your socks clean out of your loafers when you see me in my wedding dress but I have no intention of going on some fad diet or juice cleanse . Lola gave me this recipe, we had all the ingredients in the fridge, it's as simple as that, Michael '

Michael wiped imaginary sweat from his brow.' That is a relief! '

Lisa moved in front of him laying her lips on his , it was a kiss that went from light as a butterflies touch into a deeper , passion filled kiss that left them both a little breathless . Michael 's hands smoothed a path up and down her arms igniting sparks from his touch , the only sound in the room from their ragged breathing until the piercing scream of the doorbell chimed startling the couple out of the passionate moment . They really needed to get a normal bell sound instead of the weird doorbell scream they had gotten when they leased the apartment. It had started as funny but now it was annoying as hell.

'Dammit! I am going to kill whoever is at the freaking door!'

' Unless it is one of our friends, Michael Barrett , there will be no killing ' declared Lisa , composing herself as the doorbell chimed again ,' Just a minute ' She turned to Michael ,' I will see who is at the door while you need to go take a shower '

'We could share a shower 'Mike fluttered his brown eyes then nuzzled the underside of her neck making her laugh,' we have time '

Lisa chuckled,' I am already dressed. Just go, Michael, please, for me '

Michael pouted as he filled a mug with coffee.' The things I do for you, lil Lisa. Fine, I am going to shower but I am taking my morning coffee with me...hmp '

'Michael, don't drink coffee in the shower! '

'I am and I will 'Michael called loudly before disappearing towards the bathroom while Lisa stepped forward opening the door to a smiling brunette with familiar kind eyes,' Mrs. Pensky, what are you doing in California? "

Suzanna laid a gentle hand across her cheek, the corners of her eyes, twinkling in amusement.' Now Lisa, you've been dear friends with Quinn since high school, surely you can remember to call me Suzanna by now '

Lisa invited the woman into the apartment taking a quick darting glance to make sure Michael's boxers weren't on the floor or that there wasn't an inch thick of dust on the furniture and knickknacks . She couldn't do a thing about the mess in the kitchen unfortunately.

'Of course, Suzanna,' smiled Lisa,' would you like some coffee or juice? Michael just made the coffee which guarantees that it's bold... he and Chase were coffee testers last year at a new java place on the corner of Melrose . They had hopes it paid actual money instead it paid in free bags of coffee '

'Well at least it saves on having to buy the coffee,' chuckled an amused Suzanna , playing with the long strands of a colorful beaded necklace around her neck ,' thanks but I am fine, Lisa , though I imagine you must be wondering what I am doing here in sunny California '

Lisa took another sip of her smoothie.' You came to surprise Quinn? '

'At some point, yes, I intend to visit my daughter and her hubby,' answered Suzanna, sitting down on a kitchen chair as she pulled an oversized, turquoise blue bag to her lap,' I'm actually meeting with Janna in a bit for a herbalist convention 'She studied the blank look on Lisa's face then couldn't hold back the touch of laughter in her voice,' which isn't why I am at your apartment either.'

Janna Martinez was Lola's mother and every inch the Gypsy witch who resided in New York while Suzanna lived in Seattle. Much like their daughters, Janna and Suzanna were the best of friends sharing similar interests in herbs among other things.

Lisa wondered how Lola would react to her own Mom being in town.

'Got me, I am curious now '

Suzanna reached into her bag pulling out a cloth wrapped item which she presented to Lisa.

' I understand from Quinn that you are trying to avoid the pitfalls of the crazies of planning a wedding ,' explained the older woman ,' I was thinking of you so I made you something to catch all of the good luck . '

Lisa unwrapped the present to reveal a horseshoe painted a smooth gold with a ribbon in the same color , a sprig of purple lavender tied to it , making it seem somehow cute and classy at the same time .

'It's darling. You made this for us '

'Yes,' explained Suzanna , toying with the colorful beaded bracelet adorning her wrist ,' I am toying with opening a little shop on our farm to carry our art and other fun things . I was researching various Southern traditions including hanging the horseshoe to catch all of the good luck for the new couple. It struck me as such a delightful tradition I had to try my hand at prettying a horseshoe up for you and Michael '

'It's perfect! I love it! Thank you so much, Suzanna for thinking of us 'Lisa leaned over to hug the older woman with affection,' we hope you and Frank will be able to fly out to Georgia for the wedding. We know there's been some grumblings for it being out of state ….. '

Suzanna gave Lisa's wrist a gentle squeeze.' Family and those closest to you will find a way to be at your wedding,' explained Suzanna, because it really was such a simple matter at the core,' Frank and I will be a part of the party plane if you will compliments of Malcolm and Julia. Janna plans to attend and I spoke with Ross and Pamela myself who cannot wait ….the only couple I can't speak for would be Mike and Amanda…they are still traveling through Europe on business '

'Wow, 'exclaimed Lisa, feeling touched and overwhelmed by the love and the support offered from their closest friends parents,' that really means so much to me and Michael.'

'You rock, Suzanna 'contributed Michael striding out of the other room in time to overhear most of the conversation between them,' my folks will be over the moon to see everyone, too '

Michael dropped a kiss on Suzana's cheek.' Mom's already in a tizzy about the wedding and trying not to butt in or insult Lisa's mother...you all coming down will help calm her '

' You are Valene's only child, Michael, which entitles your Mama her little tizzy ,' replied Suzanna , fondly ,' I spoke to your Mom just last week and she is doing just fine on her end keeping on top of the florist .' She inclined her head to nod at Lisa,' It was such a kind gesture, kids, allowing Val the opportunity to arrange the flowers for the church '

Valene was wonderfully creative loving the opportunity to mix in creating beauty while being a part of the whole wedding planning. Suzanna understood this as she and Frank had wanted to be a contributing part when Quinn and Logan had been planning their own wedding a few years back. It just went with the territory.

'I trust Val's taste,' said Lisa, without skipping a beat,' She knows what I am wanting besides it's such a small thing. I've spoken to the florist several times already on the phone and via email about my bouquet and the girls so the rest is just décor '

Michael shook his head as he smoothed down a wrinkle in his dark blue polo shirt then hoped the khakis he was wearing wasn't too casual. He and Lisa were running errands before meeting her parents for lunch so he didn't figure he needed to pull on a suit jacket.

It wasn't a business outing, for Goodness Sake! It wasn't like they were driving out to Malibu to dine at Vaccaro's though if they were, Logan's step- mom managed the restaurant so she could hook him up with the proper attire. Besides Lisa's folks should be used to him by now and he wasn't going to be the suit and tie kind of guy. Unless the big wigs from the Network were coming into the studio, Michael rarely wore a suit finding it unnecessary.

' Well, if it makes Mom feel involved , which makes her happy , we should offer to let her handle more of the list as far as I am concerned '

Lisa opened her mouth a thought tumbling through her mind but unsure of how to express it closed it once more. She tried to remind herself she wanted a traditional, fun wedding.

Lilah saved her,' Val would never want to overstep, Lisa. Try to remember that when all of the helpful suggestions are flying in at you left and right. Now on that note, I must go meet with Janna before she gets it into her head to guilt trip Lola about not being engaged already '

Michael grimaced, sympathizing fir his friend.' Ward Janna off good, Suzanna , because the whole engagement deal is a touchy subject between Vince and Lola right now ..Vince is like, hairpin trigger, tense about it. The dude is normally all in his Buddhist Zen world '

'I'll do my best 'assured Suzanna,' I can let myself out '

Once Suzanna had left the apartment, Lisa handed Michael the decorated horseshoe which he held up by the ribbon to study it. It was cool as far as horseshoes went. He liked the idea of them catching all of the good luck on their wedding day, not to mention, it was a tradition.

'We should hang this lucky charm up in the church with the flowers, the candles, and all of that other jazz we're using to decorate the alter '

'I was thinking at our table at the reception but that works, too '

Michael took another glug of coffee then tapped his finger on his chin, carefully. 'Having a thought here, Lisa, and I got to thinking about our invitations …you know, Quinn has that fancy laser printer couldn't she print us out invitations? She's a whiz at that stuff so I bet she couldn't make them exactly how you wanted and she wouldn't charge us anything because she is our friend ...'

Lisa looked appalled at the suggestion as she made a point of yanking the skillet off of the burner , glowering at him thru slitted blue eyes, then grabbing a dishtowel slid it angrily over the counter as if in defiance . Good Lord, they weren't destitute!

She twisted the towel around her hand – had she projected her budget so badly that Michael thought they were dirt poor? Hadn't they sat down to discuss the figures together? In her own way had she been so budget conscious obsessed about their wedding, it had come to this?

She worried her lip between her teeth finally tossing the towel aside while Michael looked patiently at her while he sipped his coffee between taking bites of his breakfast looking every inch as if Vince had been giving him lessons in laying back and being cool .

'Or that's a very bad idea and you want me to shut up now ….'

Lisa plopped down beside him on the bench, laying a hand on his arm. 'I love that you are involved in the details of planning our wedding, Michael. I love you dearly for that. I know I am probably like a damn broken record about the dance studio costs and us finding a house soon as well as not breaking the bank on our wedding but I want us to pick out real invitations together. Not that Quinn wouldn't do a wonderful job but we don't have to scrimp on absolutely everything, Michael '

'I just want you to be happy,' Michael leaned forward kissing her deeply,' we could get married in Las Vegas,' I'd be cool '

'You fellas binged the Saved by the Bell wedding,' guessed Lisa with a knowing smirk,' which we are not having either, Michael Barrett '

Michael lifted his shoulders in a shrug.' Only to prove that our Three Stooges routine is much better than the one Slater, Screech, and Zack use which it is way cooler '

Lisa reached around him to take a drink of his coffee. 'How does that even work when there are four of you idiots? Do Vince and Logan take turns being Curly? '

'It is the brainstorm of me, Chase, and Logan because Vince has no sense of humor regarding the Stooges. It's a bad flaw we've tried to get a handle on him but Vince doesn't budge,' explained Michael, simply,' it's a dang crying shame '

'Good for Vince,' Lisa glanced down at her shoes, frowning,' finish eating, hun, I think I am going to change my shoes before we leave '

Deciding her sandals were much too sensible, Lisa headed to the bedroom intent on finding the kick ass heels that Zoey had talked her into buying a few years ago.

She was in the mood to kick a little wedding ass.

*******************************Wedding Bells *************************

The wedding party had decided that as the honorary decorating committee helping out the soon to be married couple with turning votive glasses and old picture frames into glorious works of art, they would do better at the Reese's large garage. Chase and Logan who had visions of video games between spray painting had suggested they work in the downstairs rec room which Quinn instantly vetoed knowing how their minds worked. Zoey and the girls had set up a couple of long folding tables as a work space as they sorted through the yes boxes of wedding miscellaneous suited useable for Lisa and Michael's reception .

Lola held up five clear baggies of sparkling faux crystals that had been used by Zoey who had them spread as decoration amid flowers and candles from when she and Chase had married. Those on the cleanup crew hadn't wanted to throw them away back then and the sparkle had caught Lola's attention first among the miscellaneous items in the box marked Matthews.

'Will Lisa want us to use the bling on her tables? The woman has never been really confetti, blingy for as long as I have known her … still these thingies were like five bucks for one little bag when you bought them, Zo '

Zoey looked up from where she was refolding white tablecloths, her smile dreamy. Those useless table sparkles had been a last minute table addition days before the actual wedding much to the mortification of her mother, at the time.

'I remember, Lola,' said a droll Zoey,' Mom thought they were tacky, that we should keep it simple with vases of flowers and candles. I loved the sparkly so I bought all those fake crystals that that shop had in town just to make the woman mad ...'

'When you guys decided to take back your wedding from Zoey's nutty Mom '

Chase looked up from where he, Logan, and Vince were unloading a box of assorted shades of purples and shiny gold spray paint with confusion. There were hues of deep purple, violet, light lavender , as well as glossy gold , pale champagne , in freaking spray paint . He figured that his best friend must have gone into a hardware store buying out all the colors in Lisa's color scheme or was afraid he'd get the wrong color of purple then bought the whole shelf.

Michael had his own wedding lists of things to do and had probably bought all of the spray paint then dropped it off at Logan's garage for them to do their part in this gig.

That made more sense. It was what he would have done as well.

'We should totally insist on reusing those crystals,' suggested Chase with a wide grin,' could we glue them on these weird vases from Quinn and Logan's wedding? It might make them look nicer than they do now ...'

Logan elbowed Chase in the ribs.' Lab beakers, man, have some tact. They were perfect for our reception '

'Yeah but your wife is a scientist, Lisa is a dancer,' finished Chase, holding up a lab beaker,' I am thinking the woman is going to want us to change its looks from said beaker unless you're feeling sentimental about them, Logan '

'Naw, Quinn already has one from the wedding sitting on the coffee table in the living room '

Always the peacemaker among their group, Vince picked up a can of gold spray paint and a baggie of the expensive fake crystals as he stepped between them determined to sidetrack them before the unnecessary but normal bickering started between Chase and Logan.

It was only a matter of time so Vince headed them off at the pass.

' Here's a thought ,' Vince handed the crystals to Chase ,' grab a beaker vase , some crystals, and that clear glue , Matthews , and show us that creative streak of yours '

' My wife is really the more creative out of us …' trailed Chase, reluctantly grabbing a clear glass beaker from a box as Lola tossed him the crystals ,' you know , this probably isn't going to be a pretty sight . Arts and crafts have never been my thing ….'

Vince gave him a little shove towards the table.' Don't underestimate your talent, Chase, it's a good idea. Logan, you were always handy with paint, how about you lift some beakers and turn them golden '

Logan gave him the finger.' What makes you the boss of the whole decorating committee? '

Vince just grinned.' I learned from the best 'He blew Lola a playful kiss across the garage,' don't you guys remember how Lola chaired all of those decorating committees back when we were kids? Besides we need to really step up the reception decorations for Michael and Lisa so maybe they can relax and enjoy the ride to the getting married '

Vince had gotten close to Michael and Lisa over the years, he knew Michael tended to overthink in his own enthusiasm while Lisa probably had lists and budgets on how to have the dream wedding on a budget while still being able to live and afford new dance studio.

' Besides this is the third wedding reception we're helping prepare for ,' offered up Lola , tugging at her ponytail ,' it was utter chaos with all of the changes Zo and Chase made like , what was it, three days before you got hitched ? At least Quinn and Logan's decorations were low key for them '

Quinn straightened up, defensively, shooting daggers towards her best friends.' What do you mean low key? I thought our decorations suited us perfectly, Lola '

'Oh chill, Quinn, 'snapped Zoey , deciding that she could dye a handful of the tablecloths purple to offset the gold easily enough ,' Lola isn't saying they weren't quirky and cute like you and the moron . She means we need to totally turn these items into wow for Lisa so they don't have to worry one bit about them '

She moved to dig into her oversized handbag shoving aside the wallet, keys, three sketchpads, and an empty Blix bottle as she spotted the two bottles of purple dye she had thought to toss in her bag as an afterthought. She had been testing dyes on different fabrics but this would be perfect! So much better than plain old white and renting purple linen was insane pricey.

'Quinn, do you have like an empty tub I could use to dye a few of these tablecloths purple? '

'I think there are some old stockpots that might be big enough in the house,' Logan answered for his wife as he shot her an irrepressible smile. Quinn couldn't help but roll her eyes heavenward,' Julia bought Chauncey new pots and pans for his birthday but he didn't take the old ones home. I'll go inside and grab you a couple of them, Zoey '

'Does Chauncey still use the pans? Logan, I am literally using this dye to turn these tablecloths deep purple ' Zoey held up the bottles of purple dye waving them a little as if to be clear .

Quinn slid a sideway glance at the bickering of Logan and Zoey as she arranged the numerous shapes and sizes of empty picture frames in a manner that would be efficient for spray painting them . It was number 34 on Lisa's reception themes list.

'He's using the fancy pot mostly, 'reassured Logan,' it'll be cool '

Logan disappeared from the garage heading for the house as his wife chuckled, lightly, causing all of their friends to look inquiringly at her. They all recognized that laugh. It was the 'Logan is stupid but I love the idiot '

'Relax, Zoey, Chauncey won't ever be using the stockpot again so dye away happily. I am just thankful that my husband didn't offer up one of the bathrooms in the house for you to do that in because I would have had to put my foot down '

' That is a relief ' sighed Zoey as Lola switched on the old boom box to the sweet sounds of Aint too proud to Beg came on , a classic way before their time and reminiscent of a montage from that old 90's teen show , the group found themselves dancing , humming under their breath as they worked . Plain frames became works of art as Quinn and Vince glossed them up in gold and champagne, nodding his head in time to the music, Chase carefully glued the sparkles onto the glass lab beakers with care changing their appearance, Logan returned with the stockpot so the designer began the process of dying the tablecloths, while Logan got busy untangling fairy lights and Lola assembled silk rose petals to spray paint.

The reception was going to be undeniably gorgeous !

'